The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) is proud to support the State Water Resources Control Board’s proposed update to the Bay-Delta Plan, which now includes the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program—a major step forward for California’s water future.
This week, SCWC Executive Director Charley Wilson issued a statement recognizing the significance of this milestone and the leadership that made it possible:
“California took a big step forward this week with the State Water Board’s proposed update to the Bay-Delta Plan, which now includes the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program. This is a bold and thoughtful move that reflects years of behind-the-scenes work—and it wouldn’t have happened without Governor Newsom’s leadership and vision.
The Governor has brought people together in a way we don’t often see in water policy. Urban, agricultural, environmental, and tribal voices all came to the table to shape a voluntary path forward. That kind of collaboration is rare—and powerful.
Voluntary agreements like these are a smarter, more effective way to solve complex water challenges than relying on regulation or litigation. They build trust, use the best science, and create real, lasting solutions that benefit both our environment and the millions of Californians who depend on a reliable water supply.
We’re proud to support this effort and excited to see it move ahead.”
The Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program represents years of planning and partnership among diverse stakeholders. It offers a voluntary, science-based approach to restoring ecosystems and improving water reliability—an approach SCWC has long championed.
We look forward to continued collaboration and progress as this initiative moves toward implementation.
Read Governor Gavin Newsom’s statement HERE. View the State Water Resources Control Board Bay-Delta Watershed webpage for more information on the September 8th and 9th, 2025 hearing on the Revised Draft Sacramento/Delta Updates to Bay-Delta Plan.